EXTIRPATE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'extirpate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extirpate are eradicate , exterminate , and uproot . While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation. // many species have been extirpated from the area

Q: When is 'eradicate' a more appropriate choice than 'extirpate'?

Although the words eradicate and extirpate have much in common, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself. // a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

Q: When would 'exterminate' be a good substitute for 'extirpate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to extirpate , exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals. // exterminate cockroaches

Q: When can 'uproot' be used instead of 'extirpate'?

The words uproot and extirpate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction. // the war uprooted thousands

extirpate

verb

ˈek-stər-ˌpāt

Definition of extirpate next

as in to eradicate

to destroy all traces of the triumph of modern medicine in extirpating certain diseases

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How does the verb extirpate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of extirpate are eradicate, exterminate, and uproot. While all these words mean "to effect the destruction or abolition of something," extirpate implies extinction of a race, family, species, or sometimes an idea or doctrine by destruction or removal of its means of propagation.

many species have been extirpated from the area

When is eradicate a more appropriate choice than extirpate?

Although the words eradicate and extirpate have much in common, eradicate implies the driving out or elimination of something that has established itself.

a campaign to eradicate illiteracy

When would exterminate be a good substitute for extirpate?

While in some cases nearly identical to extirpate, exterminate implies complete and immediate extinction by killing off all individuals.

exterminate cockroaches

When can uproot be used instead of extirpate?

The words uproot and extirpate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, uproot implies a forcible or violent removal and stresses displacement or dislodgment rather than immediate destruction.

the war uprooted thousands

Examples of extirpate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The building of Columbia Basin hydroelectric dams in the mid-20th century extirpated salmon from much of the upper Columbia River. —

B. “toastie” Oaster, ProPublica, 19 Jan. 2024 Today, however, there is very little evidence that timber rattlers are recolonizing dens from which they have been extirpated, even in undeveloped areas. —

Thomas Palmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 After wolves were extirpated from the ecosystem by hunting and trapping in the early 20th century, herbivores razed vegetation in wooded areas. —

Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2023 While black bears were nearly extirpated from Louisiana by the 1950s and 60s, the population has since rebounded. —

Kris Millgate, Field & Stream, 19 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for extirpate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extirpate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.